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Our History

Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church, founded June 12, 1961, has stood strong and unwavering over the years.

The charter members laid the foundation of Bible Baptist Church with their desire to live and serve Christ. Five of which were lifelong members and enjoyed the rewards of their faith and labor for Christ by seeing the many lives this church has touched.

The church began meeting at the Hogan on Poplar Ave. with the name of Bible Baptist Church. By October of 1961, the church had secured a storefront on 5th Ave. and began preparations for their own church building. The church purchased land on the hill at the corner of Edgemont and Greenway. It was then that the "Hillcrest" was added to the name, and construction began in September 1963. As the church grew, the need for expansion pushed the young church to add on. The church added a second auditorium to the original facility, and later, the third auditorium and a gymnasium were added.

In the fall of 1980, the church opened Hillcrest Bible Baptist Academy under the leadership of Pastor Mike Haley. After many years of reaching the youth of Ark City with a christian based school, the Academy closed in the early 2000s.

Testimonials from Previous Pastors

  • He was the first pastor when Bible Baptist Church began in the first building, and purchased the land where the church is now.

    Our pastorate at Hillcrest was the footing for all our ministry. Everywhere we have served, we have drawn on these resources. 'First Love' explains the way we felt."
    Leaon Griswold - 1961 - 1969
  • Completed the second auditorium during his time as pastor.

    “There are many other victories and blessings including the basement dedication on June 14, 1970 and the auditorium dedication on August 13, 1972...We trust the Lord will continue His blessings on this great church in these days until His soon return.”
    Paul Mohler - 1969 - 1974
  • As the longest serving pastor, he oversaw the completion of the current main building and gymnasium, and started the Hillcrest Bible Baptist Academy.

    “During the 14 1⁄2 years that we were with Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church, there are many wonderful memories of great people and exciting events...We were able to see accomplished what seemed impossible to us...Our Church was launched into a wonderful time of growth and blessing for many years.”
    Mike Haley - 1974 - 1989
  • Paid off the bank note on the building during his time as pastor, restructured the school, and removed the church from the Bible Baptist Fellowship.

    “There are very few people in Arkansas City that have not benefited from the ministry of Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church. Visit after visit produces testimonies of men and women who were saved at one of our services, whose lives were changed, and Christ was glorified through their lives.”
    David James - 1989 - 1996
  • Oversaw the entire remodeling of the main auditorium and foyer in 2001.
    Rick Williams - 1996 - 2004
  • When the Lord led Pastor Burke to the church, it had been through some hard times. Many were hurt and in need of healing.

    “Pastor Burke came to Ark City with love for the Savior and love for the church. One could often find ‘Preacher’ at the church at 2 or 3 AM on his knees with tears, asking God to move, heal, and revive the precious people that he loved so very much. God answered his prayers.” — Ms. Rhonda Burke
    Wayne Burke - 2004 - 2011
  • "Our time at Hillcrest was a wonderful 11.5 years. The people were very loving, kind, and sweet servants of the Lord. The Lord blessed our time together in His service."
    Jimmy McCullough - 2011 - 2022

From Our Photo Gallery